Combine the United States' diverse geography, exceptional technical expertise, and a solid commitment to quality and you get an ever-expanding selection of the best varieties and certified seed potatoes available. This high quality, along with technological advancements, has helped the U.S. to become a world leader in potato production.

The production of U.S. seed potatoes is carefully monitored and regulated. Federal and state inspections ensure that producers follow the best cultural and production techniques during each stage of the process. And now, under new export standards, all U.S. seed potato exports are guaranteed to meet the U.S. number 1 Seed Potato Grade. These standards were developed in an effort to lessen confusion, so international buyers will know exactly what they're getting.

Seed Producing States

In general, potatoes are produced in all 50 states. However, the latitudes and elevations of 15 states provide ideal climates for producing seed potatoes. Cold, hard, long winters, with extremely low temperatures, are vital to seed potato growing. Low temperatures kill insects and diseases that reduce seed potato quality. Many of these remote growing regions are also isolated from other commercial production, thus ensuring a healthier seed piece. During the four-month growing season, long days, intense sunshine and cool nights lead to vigorous plants and high yields.

Seed Varieties

U.S. growers produce hundreds of varieties of seed potatoes, and more are constantly being developed to address the needs of growers worldwide. From frozen fries to chips to table-stock, the U.S. cultivates a seed potato to suit every growing condition and every end product. Additionally, the US has numerous public breeding programs through which disease and pest-resistant varieties are constantly being developed. Thanks to its long breeding tradition, the US has a large, diverse germplasm collection that responds to a variety of growing environments.